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May 4, 2022
General oral health
Bacteria feed on sugar, forming dental plaque that becomes acidic and makes holes in your teeth — in other words, it causes cavities. That plaque can also lead to gum disease and bad breath.
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Feb. 1, 2022
Children’s Oral Health
Throughout February, Delta Dental of Illinois is emphasizing the importance of good oral health care for children in honor of Children’s Dental Health Month. This reminder is even more important as some Illinois children haven’t received the preventive oral health care visit with their dentist during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
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Jan. 14, 2022
Children’s Oral Health
Cavities, also known as tooth decay, are one of the most common chronic diseases among children. The good news is that cavities are nearly 100% preventable. Here’s how to keep your young child’s smile healthy from the very start.
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Dec. 20, 2021
General oral health
Calcium is key to maintaining strong, healthy teeth and bones. It strengthens tooth enamel — the hard outer shell — and helps maintain the bone that supports your teeth. Healthy enamel protects your teeth from cavities and erosion. Calcium in your saliva can even help repair damage to teeth caused by acids. However, a lack of calcium can increase your risk for gum disease.
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Nov. 12, 2021
General oral health
Gum sweetened with sugar or corn syrup can contribute to plaque buildup, lead to erosion of your teeth’s enamel and increase your cavity risk. The more often you chew gum with sugar and the longer you chew each time, the more damage it can do.
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Nov. 5, 2021
In the Community
Fifty-five Illinois schools will receive new water bottle-filling stations to encourage students to drink more water as part of H2O On the Go, a grant program started last year by Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation and Illinois Children’s Healthcare Foundation.
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Apr. 8, 2021
Children’s Oral Health
While oral health care is important from birth, it’s especially critical starting at age 6 when permanent teeth begin to come in. Tooth decay is one of the most common chronic diseases for kids and it’s usually preventable. Cavities and gum disease occur even more frequently as children reach adolescence — with 54% of kids ages 12 to 19 having had, or currently having, cavities.
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Oct. 13, 2020
Children’s Oral Health
Whether your children trick-or-treat this year or just enjoy some sweets at home, help protect their oral health this Halloween season. While a piece of candy can make just about anyone smile, try not to overindulge, and choose candy wisely – candy that melts easily is the best choice – and take special care by brushing and flossing afterward.
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Aug. 4, 2020
General oral health
You know brushing your teeth is important, but how you go about doing so can make a significant difference in your long-term oral health. If you fail to brush your teeth thoroughly and with a good technique, your teeth may look and feel clean, but layers of plaque will build up in hard-to-reach places and cause tooth decay. Eventually some of it will harden into tartar, collect more plaque, causing gum damage and other unwanted oral health issues.
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Apr. 2, 2020
General oral health
With the legalization of cannabis in Illinois, it may be tempting to turn to marijuana — as well as tobacco and alcohol — as a way to manage anxiety during the coronavirus pandemic.
But Delta Dental of Illinois is urging Illinoisans to opt for healthier ways to relieve stress this April during Oral Cancer Awareness Month.
“Smoking marijuana can lead to a number of oral health problems including dry mouth and an increased risk of cavities and gum disease,”
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Feb. 6, 2020
Children’s Oral Health
It’s never too early to talk with your kids about the dangers of tobacco, especially given the explosive growth of vaping. February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, a great time to address the issue.
Here’s why there’s reason for concern: The use of e-cigarettes among Illinois high schoolers increased by 45% between 2016 and 2018.
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Feb. 3, 2020
Children’s Oral Health
Baby teeth aren’t meant to be permanent. They emerge from about the time a child is 6 months old until around their third birthday. But they already start to fall out around age 6.1
Because they’re temporary placeholders for permanent teeth, issues with baby teeth may seem like no big deal. But baby teeth actually serve critical purposes.
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Jan. 14, 2020
General oral health
Fluoride — a key mineral for strong teeth — originates in rocks. It’s then released into soil, water and air. So if fluoride is naturally found in water, why is it added to our water supplies and toothpaste? Before we answer, let’s explore why the American Dental Association labeled fluoride “nature’s cavity fighter.”
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Sep. 3, 2019
Children’s Oral Health
Studies suggest that breastfeeding can be beneficial to a newborn’s baby’s oral and overall health. It’s just as important for parents to keep an eye on their own oral health. Here are a few tips to help parents and babies enjoy healthy smiles.
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Jul. 17, 2019
General oral health
Why you might think twice before eating too much ice cream There are few treats more tempting than a cold dish of ice cream during the hottest days of summer. It’s no wonder 90% of American households indulge in this frosty dessert.1 In honor of National Ice Cream Month in July, here’s the scoop on how ice cream can have an effect on oral health.
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Jun. 1, 2019
General oral health
With so much produce in season right now, it’s a good time to consider the effects of fruit on your smile. Not only are fruits better for you than sweets, they can also reduce your cravings for sugary snacks. Most fruits are mouth-friendly, especially crisp ones like apples that help clean plaque from your teeth and freshen breath.1 However, some fruits may have surprising effects on your smile.